“The Journey of Knowledge: Navigating Life from Primary School to University”

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Life is a journey, and one of its most critical paths is the journey of seeking knowledge. From the early days of primary school to the final stages of university, every phase brings its unique challenges and opportunities. As Muslims, we are reminded that the pursuit of knowledge is not just a worldly goal but a form of worship — a means to earn Allah’s pleasure and benefit His creation.

“Whoever follows a path in pursuit of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise.”
— Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Sahih Muslim

Each an every stage of our journey through education is important and comes with its own difficulties and challenges, however each stage has its happy moments. Just remember, that these challenges aren’t faced alone and you always have the people around you to turn to.

1. Primary School – Building the Foundation

Challenges:

• Separation anxiety from parents

• Difficulty focusing in class

• Learning basic skills under pressure

• Struggles with confidence and comparison

However, when has life ever come without challenges? Navigating through this new experience can be challenging. And new situations can be scary, but in this case its important to let yourself know that new experiences both help and cultivate an environment where a small child can grow. Its important to teach them that although new experiences can be scary, its how people grow.

2. Secondary School – Identity & Independence

Challenges:

• Peer pressure

• Anxiety over exams and grades

• Identity crisis

• Time management

Secondary school is one of the most memorable times for many, where you make long lasting friendships, discover your likes and dislikes and a time where everyone is hearing the ‘GCSE’ talk every other week. You get your first look into making decisions and taking that step for yourself in preparing for exams. And this can be very stressful and daunting for many. Hopping straight out of primary and hearing about GCSEs. However, the journey through the secondary school stage prepares you well. A lot of the time communicating with the people around you about your worries is very helpful, and this is a point where many adopt a timetable or routine of sorts. However, no matter how stressful life gets know that the first we turn to is Allah, the next can be our parents and those around us who have experienced the same situations.

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3. Sixth Form/College – Pressure & Purpose

Challenges:

• Academic stress and burnout

• Uncertainty about the future

• Increased responsibilities

• Distractions from social and online influences

Once you’ve cleared the gcse stage, many would say that this is the hardest stage in life. Big exams, Big pathways and big decisions, sometimes is can be too much pressure. However, everyone is in the same boat. It may seem daunting, when you were in secondary with 9 choices that have been narrowed down to 3-4 which will eventually be narrowed to one. It feels like a whole lifetime is packed into two years, constant information, constant exams and constant choices to be made. It all feels like a rush but its important to slow down, take some time for yourself and gain a peace of mind. This is a good time to pick up a calming hobby, something you can use to center yourself. In such a fast pace environment its important to take some time with yourself, with Allah and even with your family, and once again, its important to talk to those around you.

4. University/apprentaship– Independence & Integrity

Challenges:

• Loneliness or homesickness

• Balancing faith with freedom

• Lack of motivation

• Navigating a secular environment

For many, this is a big goal, getting into the university you want. however, sometimes Allah has different plans and you may end up taking a different plan to what your plan was. Either way, this part of the journey is what many would day is the start if the journey to adulthood. Lectures, seminars, and the whole lot. For most, once they get to university it’s a big relief, a new breath of air or even a whole new experience entirely. For some its an emotional rollercoaster, for others it may just be a little bit of a bumpy ride. Theres a constant up and down, with exams, meeting deadlines, all nighters and even living away from home. Its no joke that this stage of the journey will have its challenges too, however like each and every stage thus far, it comes with a hope and blessing of growth and independence

The Journey Never Ends

Graduation is not the end — it’s a transition to a new phase of responsibility. Just like the Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him) who went from the well to the palace with patience, du’a, and integrity, your academic journey can lead to both worldly success and eternal reward.

Final Advice:

- Seek knowledge with humility

- Serve others with what you learn.

- constantly communicate with those around you

- stay positive

- Constantly ask Allah for dua

Let your journey be not just about books and grades, but about barakah, growth, and drawing closer to your Creator. May Allah bless all our students, parents, and teachers — and make every stage a step toward Jannah.

Ameen.

The Sign of Four

Written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who was a British writer. He created the character Sherlock Holmes in 1887 for A Study in Scarlet, the first of four novels and fifty-six short stories about Holmes and Dr. Watson. The Sherlock Holmes stories are milestones in the field of crime fiction.

In this book, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson meet Miss Mary Morstan, who asks for their help with a new case. Holmes and Watson are soon wrapped up in an adventure involving stolen treasure, a mysterious murder, a dog named Toby, and a chase along the River Thames.

I felt focused when I was reading this book

because I enjoyed how it involved different events that led to the chase along the River Thames. I felt happy and engaged when reading the adventurous and mysterious scenes, which I liked throughout the story.

The best part of the book for me was the River Thames chase, which is the highlight of The Sign of Four, along with the clever use of Holmes’ deductions and the introduction of Mary Morstan, who later becomes Watson’s wife. The suspense was strong, as are the interactions between Holmes and Watson.

Do you love adventure stories? If so, this will be the perfect book for you. And if you like mysteries, this will also be the perfect book for you. So, if you just grab this book and read it while you’re relaxing, you’ll enjoy every single word of it.

Zaid Ramzy

Once Upon a Broken Heart

Written by Stephanie Garber

“I believe there are far more possibilities than happily ever after or tragedy. Every story has the potential for infinite endings.”

When Evangeline Fox makes a deal with the enigmatic Prince of Hearts, she’s swept away to the magical North—a land where the line between fairytale and reality no longer exists.

So, why is Once Upon a Broken Heart worth your time?

One of the most captivating elements is Stephanie Garber’s writing style. Her prose is lyrical and dreamlike, perfectly capturing the story’s enchanting, fairytale tone. Lines like “they were wide, broken star-bright, and full of something like hope” and “she could have sliced into the night as if it were a cake and stolen a piece of it to take a bite of all the wondrous night” are just a glimpse into the kind of vivid imagery that makes the book feel magical.

The characters are another standout. Evangeline, the protagonist, is my personal favorite. She—and the rest of the cast—feels incredibly real, with complex emotions and layered motivations. Their personalities not only breathe life into the story, but also drive the conflict in meaningful ways, making each scene feel immersive and emotionally resonant.

These are just two of the many reasons to dive into Once Upon a Broken Heart. If you love whimsical worlds, morally grey characters, and stories that blur the line between dreams and danger, this book is for you. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Naadhira Rushdy

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